Returning captain Wayne Rooney complemented Anthony Martial’s 10 million euro strike as Manchester United secured a much-needed victory at Burnley, moving Jose Mourinho’s men within a point of Manchester City ahead of this week’s derby.

Back in action after losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo to serious knee injuries in Thursday’s extra-time Europa League triumph against Anderlecht, United knew anything but victory at Turf Moor would damage their top-four ambitions.

Mourinho’s much-changed side rallied in the circumstances and Rooney marked his return with a goal after Martial scored a fine opener at Burnley, triggering a 10 million euro (£8.4million) payment to Monaco and a 2-0 victory for United.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: “He (Bailly) is incredible. If I was Smalling or Jones, I would play Thursday, with anything, I would,” Mourinho said. I wouldn’t accept one guy to play nine matches in a row because I am injured. I would do a last push. If they have a crazy mentality like I have, they would (play on Thursday). If they are safe thinking and they are surrounded by people with the same mentality they have, it is more time, more cautious. If it was me, nobody would stop me to play.”

Burnley boss boss Sean Dyche: “On paper it looked like a tough run and it was always going to be, especially with the form Everton are in at their place and then Manchester United 22 unbeaten before today. We’ve cheated the system a few times in what people think of a game, but you can’t do all the time. We’ve done it well here, we’ve played some teams who are well fancied here and taken 10 Premier League wins. When you look at the points on the board now and historically with our last two efforts we’re in good shape – against all the odds, no-one gave us any chance at all.”

Tweet of the match

That's a darn fine goal from Martial. Sense Manchester United will be genuine title challengers next season.

Star man – Anthony Martial

This was a rare occasion where the Frenchman was entrusted not just with a start, but with an opportunity through the middle too. He responded to criticism from his manager by scoring one and having a key role in the other, displaying the type of pace, power and composure that saw him create such a buzz when he first burst onto the scene in Manchester.

Moment of the match

Martial’s opener was a classic counter-attack that ended with a goal that would have been celebrated both in Manchester and Monaco. His 25th goal for United, which triggered a 10 million euros (£8.4million) clause due to his old club, was started by Martial himself when he knocked the ball beyond Joey Barton, glided over halfway and continued his run to collect the return pass from Ander Herrera.

Moan of the match

Manchester United players wear shirts with the names of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo on the back

United’s players took to the Turf Moor pitch for their warm-up in shirts adorned with the name of either Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Marcos Rojo after they sustained injuries on Thursday. The motive was a show of solidarity but surely such acts should be reserved for more serious matters? Judging from the reaction of social-media despair, it would seem most fans agree.